In this new series, Lah Kara continues to train in the ways of the Jedi under Margrave Juro. Kara goes on an epic journey of self-discovery as she and Juro’s small fellowship of Jedis-in-training embark on a quest to save her father and stop a mysterious Sith leader from unleashing darkness upon the galaxy.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ashish S. comments, “I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style. The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds.” Ari C. adds, “I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. The plot is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline. Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next.”  See their full reviews below.

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi

By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi is a captivating and thrilling adventure set in the Star Wars universe. I really enjoyed its unique story structure, cool worldbuilding, and characters.

This series follows the jedi, Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn), as she trains under Margrave Juro (Andrew Kishino). They face a major threat in the form of General Nawaam (Young Mazino) who wants to eradicate the order. At the same time, Lah Kara discovers more and more about her father, Lah Zhima (Simu Liu), and tries to reunite with him.

I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style. The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds. Another thing that I like is the unique story structure. Not every episode is the same–some are more concerned with setting up the world of the series; some are more action-based; and some are based around getting to know the characters’ past. The writers beautifully weave every story together so that I felt invested with the series as a whole. On that note, the story was a little tough to follow at times, with all of the lore and backstory injected in between plots. This made most of the characters somewhat confusing at first, as it’s only after a couple episodes that I really started to understand the role of each person and who they are. My favorite part is Lah Kara; she is one of the very well-written characters within the series, and her character is both relatable and significant. Additionally, Kimmiko Glenn, who voices her, is very expressive and brings life to the role. This series is watchable, but not the best from the Star Wars franchise as a whole.

The series’ message revolves around the theme of determination. Lah Kara is very brave and eager to go on this journey, but both her past and present create obstacles for her. Despite this, she desires to resolve her issues, which makes her even stronger and makes her character arc even more interesting.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch the series on Disney Plus and Hulu beginning Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. Also, the beautiful animation, wonderful voice acting, and epic fight scenes are very notable.

This series takes place after the events that took place in Star Wars: Visions and continues the story of Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn) and the rest of the “master-less Jedi,” including Juro (Andrew Kishino) and Homen (Patrick Seitz), as they fight to gather allies to rebuild the Jedi order and stop the malevolent Nawaam (Young Mazino) and his evil empire. This series adds new characters like Nawaam, the main antagonist of the show, and keeps some original characters like Gramps (JP Karliak), one of my favorites. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about the characters and their past.

The plot of this series is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline. Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next. I must commend Mitsuyasu Sakai for writing an absolute masterpiece, with terrific characters that make it that much more compelling. Watching the characters develop is amazing and the way the characters’ pasts unfold throughout the story is perfect. I haven’t watched much anime, but I felt the beauty of the art in this series must be unique. The lightsabers, the way everyone’s hair moves with the wind, the absolute attention to detail that went into all of this is impressive. The voice actors are so good that it sometimes feels as if the characters are actually speaking to you. The fighting scenes are awesome; seeing the different fighting styles and the way the characters clash with each other is amazing. Honestly, putting lightsabers and anime together is pure genius. The fast pace of anime and the bright flashiness of a lightsaber go together like peanut butter and jelly. My favorite part is the final battle between Nawaam and Kara, because it is both an epic fight, and it’s a perfect end to one of my favorite stories in all of Star Wars.

The show’s message is that our emotions make us who we are and we must accept them instead of suppress them. Note that this show does have strong violent scenes and depictions of death that some viewers may find disturbing, as well as some mild profanity.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find it now on Disney Plus and Hulu.

It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Jackson N. comments, “Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers.” Valerie M. adds, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.”  Rayce S. adds his two cents, “Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.”

See their full reviews below.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers. This film does that especially well, considering you need little to no backstory to understand the premise.

The majority of the story takes place four or five years after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is still dealing with the repercussions of the choice he made to make the world, even his girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), and his best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), forget who he was. Peter deals with many villains in this film, but they all pale in comparison to his newest, and probably strongest foe (Sadie Sink).

Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers a heartfelt, fun to watch, visually-stunning moviegoing experience. Despite not having as much levity as its predecessors, this film brings some lightness and humor to a story that could skew dark and sad. Something the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, set out to do from the beginning, is give audiences a down to earth, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The appearances of the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) add fan-favorite characters that have been missed since Punisher’s last appearance in 2025 on Daredevil: Born Again, and Hulk’s way back in 2022 on She Hulk: Attorney at Law. We also get some comic relief, including a scene that’ll be remembered in the sauna she calls her office, from one of The New Avengers, Black Widow (Florence Pugh). Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas) provides Peter with a heartfelt lifeline and a reminder of the importance of family, even in a world where he has been forgotten by the people he loves. The cinematography emphasizes intimate, street-level perspectives making New York City and Brooklyn feel like they are characters in the storyline. The falling and jumping scenes are some of the best and most immersive and really made me feel like I was riding along with Spider-Man throughout the movie. The action sequences blend real actors and sets with CGI seamlessly, creating a larger than life experience that still feels concrete and possible. The score is another standout piece of the film, connecting you into the action and emotions of the characters as they move through the story.

The film’s messageis about how people are not always what they seem and that pain will always pass, as long as you can let it go. It also addresses the importance of friendship, being true to who you are, and how taking care of yourself is so critical, especially when living in stressful times. Parents should be aware that there is a lot of gun violence (thanks to the Punisher) but it is not bloody and gory. There are also scenes that convincingly mimic a panic attack, which may be hard for some viewers.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 31, 2026.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland), aka Spider-Man, after everyone including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) have lost memory of him. He is spending his days fighting crime and following his lost friends on social media. His efforts have brought crime rates to an all-time low. However, there is trouble in paradise. A threat is arising — one that most cannot see, let alone control. Now, he must find a way to defeat his unknown foe as well as get these changes happening to him under control.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is yet another great installment in the Spider-Man series. The plot is mind-bending. It has a perfect set up and suspense. Villains, motives, and plans kept me on the edge of my seat. And let’s not forget the emotions, because this film is a rollercoaster. I laughed too, because the writers did not pass up a chance to make a good joke and, admittedly, almost cried, because this movie doesn’t go easy on tragedy. It is admirable how the characters really stay true to themselves. I love how protagonists and even some antagonists learn from each other and become better people. It gives Peter Parker a touch of reality that makes Spider-Man, well, Spider-Man. The visuals are on point. The textures are so clear I feel I could touch them (I swear I felt Spider-Man’s suit!) like I am right next to Spider-Man fighting crime and saving the day. The scenery pops out: the homes and cities feel lived in, like places I have been to before –the labs gave me a bad vibe just looking at them; dark alleys made me want to turn around and check if anyone was behind me. And then there’s the special effects! The fine details turn this amazing movie into a piece of art. An honorable mention goes to the music: it is there to raise the energy right when a fight is about to break out and to wrap heartbreak into a beautiful sound.

The film’s message is that repressing who you are won’t help anyone. When you start to change, embrace it and grow. Note that there are many graphic scenes of fighting, shooting, blood, as well as mild profanity and risky behaviors children may imitate.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters July 31, 2026.

Spiderman Brand New Day

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.

The storyline follows a forgotten Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who lives by himself as a full-time Spider-Man until increasing pressure causes a risky shift and the appearance of a formidable new foe.

The biggest weakness is that this movie spends too much time setting up a larger corner of the MCU rather than telling a compelling Spider-Man story. As a longtime fan of the comics and films, I was extremely disappointed. On the plus side, the action sequences are some of the best I’ve seen in a superhero movie—no surprise with Destin Daniel Cretton directing. The fight choreography is outstanding, the visuals are impressive, and the performances are excellent. However, after waiting four years, my high expectations were shattered almost immediately. The film skips nearly four years of Peter Parker’s life. After the heartbreaking ending of No Way Home, I wanted to see him rebuild his life from nothing. Instead, it jumps ahead and expects us to emotionally reconnect in a matter of minutes. Because we never witness his journey during those missing years, emotional scenes that should hit hard end up falling flat. That wouldn’t have bothered me as much if the film stayed focused on Spider-Man. Instead, it splits its attention with Sadie Sink’s character. Her performance is fine, but Peter’s story feels sidelined to make room for hers. As a fan, I missed the core struggle, balance, and loneliness that define Peter Parker. The film starts to explore those ideas, but never commits. I don’t hate this movie—there are parts I genuinely enjoyed. But No Way Home set up what could have been the most personal Spider-Man story yet, and Brand New Day sacrifices that to launch another storyline entirely. When I walked out of the theater, I was thinking about Sadie Sink’s character and the future of the MCU rather than Spider-Man. That’s the film’s biggest failure.

This film’s message is that you can’t do everything alone, and it’s conveyed through Peter’s Journey throughout the film.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in cinemas on July 31, 2026. Be sure to look for it.

From the original Arthurian lore, author Jane Yolen scripted an exciting adventure about Merlin as a young boy. Beautifully illustrated by renowned conceptual artist Alan Lee, the story serves as a prequel, following the young boy Emrys (who will become Merlin) as he discovers his magical destiny and witnesses the famous battle of the white and red dragons. Disturbed by dreams of dragons fighting, Merlin discovers his own strength, and helps change British history. Kevin Kline does all the voices; Michel Rubini did the exciting music. The narrative focuses on Merlin’s early life depicting him as an introspective young boy with magical talents who struggle with his identity and origin. Winner, American Library Association Notable Children’s Recording award.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Adele N. comments, “I fell in love with the animated short film Merlin and the Dragons. Its color scheme and animation choices are both nostalgic and comforting, but its unique plotline made me excited to watch the story unfold.” Ari C. adds, “I absolutely love the storyline of this film. I like how Jane Yolen, the screenwriter, makes it accurate to Arthurian lore. The way the story is delivered made me feel like a little kid hearing a story told to me by my mom. The movie was made in the early 90s, but the animation has been re-mastered so it gives a certain aesthetic that makes it feel like I’m watching a book.” Jackson N. wraps it up with, “Merlin and the Dragons is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about an outcast who realizes his differences are what make him who he is. The animation is good – it doesn’t have the wow factor of a full blown animated film, yet it still enables you to empathize with the characters.” See their full reviews below.

Merlin and the Dragons
By Adele N, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16

I fell in love with the animated short film Merlin and the Dragons. Its color scheme and animation choices are both nostalgic and comforting, but its unique plotline made me excited to watch the story unfold.

Merlin and the Dragons follows a young King Arthur (Kevin Kline) and his feelings of inadequacy after his crowning. When he awakes from a night terror, he seeks out his friend and advisor, the wizard Merlin (Kevin Kline) for assistance. From there, we begin the story of a boy long ago… who bears shocking resemblance to Arthur’s own situation.

What I find most enjoyable about Merlin and the Dragons is the style of animation used. The background in the very first scene used watercolor portraits for the sky, a theme that continues throughout the rest of the film. It is reminiscent of fantasy movies such as Cinderella, and really sets the mood for the story unfolding. The characters themselves are animated in a way that is not used in mainstream media anymore. They are two dimensional and roughly drawn, and I found that it makes each of the characters feel more raw and personalized–as if I had opened up a storybook and peered inside. Additionally, the film isn’t dulled by its own plotline. Like many, when I think about King Arthur, my first thought goes to the infamous story of The Sword in the Stone. I feared that I may be rewatching a story that has been told for centuries, but was pleased to find that the movie features entirely different elements (such as dragons), which made me genuinely interested in where the film was going.

This film is a tale of how having confidence in yourself ultimately brings you great rewards. Though self-doubt is a trait no one can fully avoid. This film reminds us that when we put trust in our actions, we succeed.

I give Merlin and the Dragons 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now on Tubi.com at https://geni.us/storiestoremember. 

Merlin and the Dragons
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

I absolutely adore Merlin and the Dragons because of the amazing storyline, the unique animation, and the expert voice acting.

This short animated film begins with a young King Arthur as he is plagued by nightmares. Arthur consults Merlin of these nightmares; in return Merlin tells Arthur a story of a boy named Emrus who dreams of the future. One day one of Emrus’ predictions came true, but the villagers call it witchcraft and claim that he must have been spawned by a demon. Emrus dreams of a tyrant coming to the village, and just as he had foreseen, one arrives and immediately takes over. After facing trouble building his tower, the tyrant blames magical forces. Eventually Emrus’ dreams of the tyrant’s downfall and in the end, Arthur is able to sleep well.

I absolutely love the storyline of this film. I like how Jane Yolen, the screenwriter, makes it accurate to Arthurian lore. The way the story is delivered made me feel like a little kid hearing a story told to me by my mom. The movie was made in the early 90s, but the animation has been re-mastered so it gives a certain aesthetic that makes it feel like I’m watching a book. I also think that the animation gives older viewers a sense of nostalgia, and younger viewers a look at what TV was like when the film was originally created. I also like how Kevin Klein voices all of the characters. It truly amazes me how Kevin Kline can voice everyone in the film perfectly. He manages to sometimes make me forget he voices everyone. My favorite part is when the villagers crack open the rocks under the tyrant’s tower and something magical happens.

The film’s message is to always trust yourself no matter what anyone says.

I give Merlin and the Dragons 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to18, plus adults. It releases on streaming and VOD platforms on July 15, 2026.

Merlin and the Dragons
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Merlin and the Dragons is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about an outcast who realizes his differences are what make him who he is. The animation is good – it doesn’t have the wow factor of a full blown animated film, yet it still enables you to empathize with the characters.

The story takes place when King Arthur has pulled the sword from the stone and is dealing with feelings of inadequacy. Merlin tells him a story of a boy who did not know who his father was and spent most of his childhood ridiculed by the other kids. He uses visions of the future to impress them, but when he takes it too far, the townsfolk shun him even more, to the point where he must live on a hill far away. Then, a false king comes to their town and makes them build him a castle. The townspeople build it, and it falls down; they build it again, and still it falls; before building it again, they “must find a boy who was born from a demon and spill his blood” to make the gods happy so they will let his tower be built. That boy is the same boy from earlier, which leads to a chaotic fight with dragons, the dethroning of the false king, and more.

Merlin and the Dragons has some truly great details worth appreciating. The animation starts off feeling a little clunky and rough around the edges, but it soon finds its footing and transforms into something really fun to watch. The improvement feels like it might have been intentional, as if trying to mirror the story’s momentum. I especially love the design of the dragons. They struck me immediately as a kind of yin and yang. The two creatures look weirdly similar on the surface, sharing the same forms, but they stand for two completely different things, embodying two forces in a way that feels both visually elegant and helpful to the story.

The film’s message is that our differences are what make us who we are. It includes themes of found family, fighting, and love. Parents should be aware that there is a fight scene between the two dragons; it is very short and there is no blood but it may be frightening for younger kids. There is also a mention of beheading, but it does not happen.

I give Merlin and the Dragons 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. It is available now on Tubi.com at https://geni.us/storiestoremember. 

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